KARACHI: People with diabetes have been strongly advised to see their doctors before Ramadan so as to be adequately examined and advised if could fast during the holy month.
A guide for patients published in the latest edition of Diabetes Digest, a monthly publication of Diabetic Association of Pakistan, extensively discussing the issue conformed that low risk diabetics with diabetes that is well controlled through diet; certain tablets as well as injections could safely realize their religious obligation.
It was, however, strictly advised that diabetics with high risk or even moderate risk must not fast as their body may not cope well with fasting.
Reminding that those who could not fast due to their ailment or health condition are exempted and can offer charity or offer food to the poor, compilers of the guide said high risk diabetics comprising Type 1 diabetes or those (including Type 2 diabetics) who use insulin injections more than two times a day or have poor control of their disease must not fast.
Diabetics reporting with frequent low blood sugar levels or had a hospital admission within the last six months for either very high levels blood sugar levels or very low blood sugar or may be inflicted with kidney, liver, heart related complications and/or poor vision, diabetic foot were also advised to avail exemption granted to seriously ill patients.
Pregnant women suffering from diabetes were also advised not to fast. Patients with moderate control of their diabetes and no major complication of the same were also recommended not to fast unless their respective doctors/dibaetologists allows them for so.
It was reminded that Ramadan in the summer and lasting for upto 16 long hours put patients to higher risk of low blood sugar levels and dehydration.
Low as well as moderate risk patients who choose to fast were strongly advised to liaise with their doctors or the diabetes team so as to obtain the best support and advice making most of the blessed month.
Preparation, prior to Ramadan was said to be very important especially if the person with diabetes is taking any medication and insulin for their blood glucose control.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.